Reliance Foundation opens applications for 5,100 UG, PG scholarships

Reliance Foundation has opened applications for its flagship Reliance Foundation Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year, offering financial support to 5,100 first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students across India.

On Friday, the foundation announced that the programme will award 5,000 undergraduate scholarships and 100 postgraduate scholarships. Selected undergraduate students will receive scholarships of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree programme, while postgraduate scholars will be eligible for financial support of up to ₹6 lakh. There is no application fee at any stage of the selection process.

The scholarships are open to first-year students enrolled in full-time undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across India. Undergraduate candidates will be selected through a merit-cum-means process, which includes an aptitude assessment and evaluation of their financial background. Postgraduate applicants will be assessed on academic merit, aptitude and other selection parameters.

The postgraduate programme focuses on future-ready disciplines, including engineering, technology, energy and life sciences. The initiative aims to support students pursuing careers in research, innovation and other fields that could address emerging challenges.

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship programme offers selected students mentorship, leadership development programmes, networking opportunities and interactions with industry experts. Scholars will also become part of a wider community intended to help them develop professional skills, confidence and perspectives.

Reliance Foundation said the scholarship initiative is part of its broader effort to expand access to higher education and nurture young talent across the country.

Reliance has been providing scholarships for more than three decades. In December 2022, on the 90th birth anniversary of Reliance founder-chairman Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Foundation founder and chairperson Nita M Ambani announced a commitment to provide 50,000 scholarships over 10 years.

So far, more than 33,000 scholarships have been awarded under Reliance's initiatives. Last year, the 5,100 selected scholars came from 1,350 institutions across 27 states and seven Union Territories, highlighting the geographical spread of the programme.

The foundation said its scholars have gone on to work across sectors including technology, healthcare, research, academia, entrepreneurship and public leadership.

Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are now open, with the foundation inviting first-year students meeting the eligibility criteria to apply for the scholarships.